Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that are extracted from odoriferous species of plants by using a physical process. The oil contains volatile aromatic substances of the plant. The oils are named after the plants from which they are obtained such as clove oil, rose oil, basil oil, peppermint oil or lavender oil. The oils are referred to as essentials because they carry the very essence or scent of the plants they are derived from.

Essential oils are mainly extracted and isolated by the distillation process. However, other processes such as solvent extraction, maceration and enfleurage are also used. The oils are widely used in developing various products like Hawaiian perfumes, tropical body creams and Hawaiian lotions, soaps and other related natural skin care products, as well as for flavoring food items and drinks, as aromatic agents for making incense and in making household cleaning products.

They have also been used for medicinal purposes for ages. They have been historically used in treating skin ailments, cold, cough, stomach disorders, improving blood circulation, hair problems and other minor or major health issues. They are commonly used in alternative medicine as tropical aromatherapy which utilizes the natural aroma of various oils in curing different ailments. They are diluted by mixing with carrier oils and used in air fresheners, steam inhalation, massage, saunas, sitz baths and vaporization to realize their true therapeutic potential. Essential oils are not oily in feel, but rather they are quite thin and watery. They quickly evaporate when they come in direct contact with air or light. When in their pure form, their scent can be quite overpowering, a bit unpleasant and sometimes irritating.

There are three basic categories of essential oils

Top Notes: Oils falling under this category are highly volatile and evaporate rapidly. They have a greenish, refreshing aroma that is quite stimulating and elevating.

Middle Notes: These oils are generally used for improving different body functions and increasing metabolism.

Base Notes: Oils in this category are quite relaxing, sometimes enticing, and have warm, sweet, delicate and pleasant aroma.

Essential oils are mostly expensive, mainly because they are extracted from some of the most exotic plants and also due to the complex extraction process involved. As they are quite precious and volatile, care should be taken regarding their usage and storage to take full benefit of them for a longer period of time. Essential oils should not be stored for longer than a period of one year.

They can be a wonderful addition to your daily life and can be used in many different ways, so use them freely and frequently. Storing over a prolonged period can cause the oils to lose or alter their natural fragrance, and they can even turn rancid. When diluted with carrier oils like almond oil, kukui nut oil or olive oil, a capsule of Vitamin E oil should also be added, and they should be used within six months. You can also store them in a refrigerator to prolong their life. When purchasing an essential oil, make sure it is of good quality and recent stock.

Remember, essentials oils should be packed in tinted glass containers and always ensure that they are airtight and store them in cool and dark place. Here are some of the essential oils that are commonly used across the globe:

Basil Oil - This oil is extracted from basil plant, grown widely in tropical Asia and the Pacific Islands. The hairy herb plant yields white or pinkish flowers and grows to around one meter high.

Basil oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers using the steam distillation process. It is pale-greenish in color and has a water-like viscosity. This oil is used for treating allergies, migraines, headaches, fevers, cold, depression and nervous disorders. It is also used for curing respiratory track disorders like bronchitis, asthma and sinus. The oil blends well with other oils such as lavender, black pepper, ginger, geranium, cedarwood and lemon.

Tea Tree Oil - This oil is very famous for its healing powers. The tree, mainly found in Australia, has needle-shaped leaves with purplish or yellowish flowers. It grows up to 7 meters tall. The oil has a water-like viscosity, is pale in appearance and has a delicately spicy and somewhat pungent aroma. Steam distillation is used to extract the oil from the leaves and branches. The oil is extensively used in air fresheners, deodorants, creams, household disinfectants, lotions and soaps. It is used to cure bacterial, fungal and viral infections, cleaning wounds and relieving muscle pains. It mixes well with lavender, rosemary, rosewood, clove and cinnamon oils.

Orange Oil - The oil is extracted using cold pressing from Citrus Sinensis, also commonly referred to as the China or Portugal orange. These trees, originally from China, are now planted widely in the Americas. The leaves are dark and the plant bears round orange fruit and white flowers. The oil is used for stimulating nerves and curing digestive tract problems because of its diuretic properties. It is good for detoxification, enhancing the body's immune system and promoting general health. Sandalwood, cloves, lfrankincense, ginger and cinnamon are some of the oils that blend well with it.

Lavender Oil - This an aromatic essential oil that has long been used in perfumes and other cosmetic preparations. Its fragrance has the ability to soothe, calm and stimulate relaxation. It is also considered an ideal treatment for anxiety in capsule form where its effects are comparable to commercially sold anti-depressants. Research has also indicated that its aroma can help to relieve tension headache in vapor form or when applied directly to the skin. It is also considered an alternative treatment for respiratory illnesses. When used in lotions and applied to the skin it exhibits the ability to repel mosquitoes.

You might also be interested in these other natural skin care articles:
Natural Skin Care Products | Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care | Natural Dry Skin Remedies | Hawaiian Skin Care | Organic Skin Care | Plant and Nut Oils for Skin Care | Tropical Aromatherapy | Natural Skin Care made in Hawaii | Botanical Skin Care | Skin Exfoliation | Hawaiian Beauty Secrets | Hawaiian Stone Therapy | History of the Hawaiian Kukui Tree | History of the Hawaiian Coconut | History of Shea Butter | History of the Macadamia Nut Tree | Hawaiian Sun Protection | Keeping your Skin Healthy on Vacation | Skin Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

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